OPINION: SRSU COVID Protocols
By Dawson Beard, Skyline Columnist
ALPINE - Just when we thought COVID-19 was a distant memory banished to the shadow realm that was the years 2020-2021, the virus reared its ugly head once more as cases began to rise again in mid-September.
As more and more people were getting sick on the Sul Ross State University campus, the student reaction was predictable, masks, masks and more masks. When I asked a girl in one of my courses why she decided to mask up again, she said, “Covid is going around, and I’m not trying to get sick.”
It’s a shame that this virus has been around for over three years and people still don’t understand that masks are meant to protect others from someone who is already infected and not meant to protect the wearer themselves from infection, but whatever.
As SRSU students took personal action against the spread of COVID-19 around campus, I was wondering if there would be any new protocols or actions taken by the school in response to the sudden surge. Would we be forced to wear masks again? Would we be temporarily locked down? Would sports be put on pause? These were the questions I was dreading the answers to, especially since the CDC recommended a COVID-19 vaccine updated for 2023-2024 for everyone aged 6 months and older.
On September 29, however, Sul Ross students received a gift in their email inboxes from Danielle Bell, SRSU’s health services coordinator.
“Since the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration ended in May, Sul Ross State University is no longer following any of the previous guidelines issued by the CDC regarding routine testing, masking or self-reporting,” Bell wrote. “We still encourage the use of frequent hand washing and staying home when you are not feeling well. There are masks located in the UC 211 office and the Gallego Center if anyone would like to use them.”
This response could not have been better. My philosophy during the pandemic was that those in power needed to encourage personal responsibility.
Don’t FORCE us to lock down, don’t FORCE us to wear masks, and don't FORCE us to uproot our lives.
Unfortunately, when the Biden administration took over, we got the complete opposite policies, and the result was mass hysteria and blind trust in our government.
With most students at SRSU being healthy, young adults with very little risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19, the school’s response, or lack thereof, is the right response. I have no problem with people who personally choose to wear a mask, and I definitely do not have a problem with people practicing good hygiene. If it makes you feel safe, or you’re at serious risk, go for it, but I will be damned if we return to the days of forced compliance with arbitrary COVID-19 protocols.